Sandy managed a team of behavioral specialists and is the mother of an autistic child. According to Sandy:

Every child is unique; the extent to which they are affected is also individual. If you are not living with autism, it is easy to miss the child and only see the diagnosis.The aim of this book is not to speak to autism as a disorder or to define it; there are many excellent references which address those specific topics…

The book was written in an attempt to demonstrate, although outwardly, these children may appear different; but inside—where it counts—they are the same as you or me.Children with autism love, have an ego, feelings which can be hurt, a sense of humour, and even a mischievous side.

I heartily encourage you to support research into autism by purchasing this book. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated equally to support Canadian-American Research Consortium (Autism Research) and the International Society for Autism Research.

I couldn’t have said it better, James. It was the book that inspired poem.
I would not have written the poem without this inspiration.
The author is to be commended for giving us all an enlightened account and motivating us to action.

Thank you for sharing your review of this wonderful book. My hope is that folks will be moved to purchase it and support research with its purchase.

Rich your poem is so beautiful & touching. Wonderful tribute to autistic kids who like everyone else need love & understanding. First time I read it I cried like a baby ☺
One of the best poems I’ve read in a long while.

Your poem is touching & beautifully written. I understand #autism as it pertains to children and adults, though my experience is mainly with those over the age of 18 who have autism / high-functioning autism. Any adult or child with a special need deserves all the more generosity of spirit, in my view. Thanks for being an advocate and for inspiring with your poem. ;-

Thank you for your generous comments. Poem for an Autistic Child was a pleasant, enjoyable experience. It was my response to S.L. Westendorf’s, The World According to August and I encourage anyone who enjoyed the poem to read Ms. Westendorf’s story.

You can be sure that I’m an advocate of those with special needs and agree we should support the needs of those of all ages.

I’m pleased that you were touched by my poem. Please consider the book that inspired me, The Word According to August by Sandra Westendorf. Much of the sentiment in the poem is an encapsulation of thoughts in that book. Portions of the proceeds fund research into Autism which is a cause I full support.

Thank you Nadina. It was all inspired by Sandy Westendorf’s book, The Word According to August. Much of the sentiment in the poem is an encapsulation of thoughts in that book. Portions of the proceeds fund research into Autism which is a cause I fully support.